Fresno State senior forward Paul Watson (#3) shoots over a Wyoming defender in a Mountain West conference game played at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017. (Christian Ortuno/The Collegian)

Watson’s 25 helps lead ’Dogs over Wyoming

Paul Watson scored a season-high 25 points and the Fresno State Bulldogs defeated the Wyoming Cowboys 85-70 on Wednesday evening at the Save Mart Center.

The Bulldogs began the game shooting well and sharing the ball. Senior forward Karachi Edo controlled the paint providing strong defense in the post. Watson was aggressive from the start and continued that type of play throughout the game.

Wyoming would get as close as three points with under four minutes to go in the game, but the Bulldogs were able to pull away thanks to their defense and improved free throw shooting. Fresno State made 12 of its last 13 shots at the line to help secure the victory in front of a raucous Save Mart Center Crowd.

The win brings the ’Dogs to a 2-1 record in Mountain West conference play and puts them tied for second in the conference along with New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado State.

The Bulldogs (10-5, 2-1 Mountain West) will go on the road to face San Jose State (7-6, 0-2 MW) on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Spartans are coming off a 76-71 loss to Colorado State at home.